Friday, April 25, 2008

PITTSBURGH, PA – Lawrenceville Art All Night—an annual celebration of arts, community and creativity—is back for its 11th straight year. Mark your calendars for April 26 and 27, as this year’sevent is bigger, better and greener than ever. The 24-hour arts marathon is one of Pittsburgh's mostpopular arts events, gaining a cult-like following since its inception over a decade ago.“ As a show, Art All Night is a unique compilation of character and creativity. As an event, it is a thrill beyond extreme sport. As a volunteer, it is a connection way beyond ourselves. And, as a community, it is truly fulfilling,” says Chris Hollingshead, who is spearheading Art All Night 2008.

“One night and one night only, don't miss it!” Part of the fun each year is the location of the event. This year, Art All Night takes place at the soon to-be-demolished, former Roomful Express warehouse at #2 57th Street in Lawrenceville. (Turn off of Butler Street on 57th and head towards the river.) Admission is FREE, and the event is open to the public from 6 pm (April 26) through 2 pm (April 27).

Last year, Art All Night featured work by more than 800 artists and was attended by upwards of 7,500 guests. The event also features live music, interactive arts activities for children and adults,performance artists and more. WYEP-FM will be broadcasting live from Art All Night.This year, the organizing team has committed to greening the event in order to reduce Art All Night’s carbon footprint. Concerted measures are being implemented to reduce waste, save energy and promote environmental sustainability. Bike Pittsburgh, a local bicycle advocacy group, will be on siteto provide a free “Bike Valet Service” to guests arriving on bicycles. The Port Authority will be helping to promote the use of public transportation. In addition, printed postcards will not be mailed to previous Art All Night exhibitors. Instead, artists will be notified via e-mail or from personal telephone calls from Art All Night volunteers. And, to further celebrate Art All Night's "green" theme, Lawrenceville's own Joann Kielar, a visual artist/ puppeteer/ storyteller, will be offering a recycled activity everyone will enjoy. Daviea Davis, aka“The Mosaic Lady,” will be guiding a continually changing, lighted mosaic project utilizing recycled glass, and Velma Parker will be transforming recycled newspaper into amazing, embellished hats for Art All Night attendees to enjoy and wear.

Lawrenceville Art All Night offers every artist of any skill level the opportunity to showcase one pieceof artwork in the exhibit: no fees, no jury, no censorship.Artist registration instructions are available at http://www.artallnight.org/. Artists submitting visual art pieces must show a photo ID during both registration and pickup. All artwork must arrive ready to hang or bedisplayed.

Onsite registration is on Saturday, April 26, from 1 pm to 4 pm, and art pickup is Sunday,April 27, from 2 pm to 4 pm.Lawrenceville Art All Night is planned and coordinated by an all-volunteer organizing committee comprised of residents and supporters of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Lawrenceville neighborhood. Scores of additional volunteers help to prepare the venue, construct exhibit panels, assist with registration, hangartwork and much, much more. The event is supported through the generous donations of local businesses and organizations and voluntary attendee contributions. This year’s sponsors include Lawrenceville Corporation, WYEP-FM and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. To learn more about the event, including how to register artwork and how to get involved as a donoror volunteer, visit http://www.artallnight.org/....

Like what's posted on this blog and the website http://www.pghgalleries.com/ ? This is a volunteer effort so donations of any size are welcome which can be made via paypal here . Also at that link anyone interested in purchasing banner space, which includes placement on this blog and websites, can sign up there. Banner design included. Thanks! Rick Byerly...Pittsburgh art events: http://www.pittsburghgalleries.blogspot.com/